Recycling Q&A

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

superuser — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:27:18 +0000

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

superuser Thu, 11/14/2024 - 04:27

Question: You put your recycling in the bin and drop it at the curb. Then what happens? Does it actually get recycled?

Answer: Yes! At paper mills across the country, recycled paper is used to make the essential products millions of people rely on.

How Paper Recycling Works

Here's how the process works:

After your local recycling hauler picks up your recycling, it’s taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF) where it’s sorted into like things.

Workers remove items that shouldn’t be there, also called contaminants. That includes things like plastic bags, holiday lights, diapers and even bowling balls.

Paper is often separated first and sorted into groups for cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, among others. Then, the paper is baled and shipped to a paper mill where it’s turned into new paper products.

Learn More About the Paper Recycling Process

Paper Recycling is a Success Story

In 2023, the paper recycling rate was 65-69% and we recycled 46 million tons of paper. Nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

Recycled paper is also used to make boxes for dry foods like cereal or pasta, tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels, as well as newspapers.

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper to make new and innovative products! Recycled paper is also exported. It's used in paper mills around the world to manufacture new products.

As one of the most recycled materials in the U.S., paper is a practical and sustainable choice.

Dive Into the Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates

What Can You Do?

What can you do to make sure you’re recycling properly? Check your local community’s website to understand what’s accepted in your area. This helps ensure you avoid wishcycling.

Wishcycling is when you put something in your recycling bin hoping it will be recycled. Tossing something in your recycling bin because you think it can be recycled leads to contamination.

Putting non-recyclables in the recycling bin also clogs up the machines and can possibly injure the operations crew. That includes things like:

Plastic bags and films
Wire hangers
Holiday lights
Garden hoses

When you recycle correctly, you’re helping us advance a more sustainable future.

And when it comes to paper items: keep them dry and clean, then put them in the recycling bin.

Can Paper Cups be Recycled?

SManger — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:01:08 +0000

Can Paper Cups be Recycled?

SManger Thu, 06/13/2024 - 15:01

Did you order a milkshake to-go and get it in a paper cup? What about your morning coffee or tea?

Paper cups are a convenient everyday item, but you might be wondering, can paper cups be recycled?

Let’s explore the facts about paper cup recycling.

Paper Mills Can Recycle Paper Cups

mills across North America recycle paper cups

Yes, paper cups are recyclable. Paper mills want the fiber in a paper cup back to recycle it.

There are about 40 mills across North America that recycle paper cups. The technology and infrastructure needed to increase paper cup recycling collection are rapidly developing.

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Major Cities Coast-to-Coast Accept Paper Cups

Several cities accept paper cups in their recycling programs. The list of cities includes:

New York City
Seattle
San Francisco
Washington, D.C.
Chicago
Denver
Atlanta
Detroit

And more! The list of communities that accept paper cups for recycling continues to grow.

Check your local recycling rules to see if paper cups are accepted in your area.

Working Together to Increase Paper Cup Recycling Access

AF&PA is a member of the Paper Cup Alliance (PCA). The PCA was formed in 2018 and works to increase paper cup recycling in the U.S. by:

Expanding Recycling Programs: Collaborate with cities and recycling facilities to expand access to paper cup recycling.
Understanding Paper Cup Recycling: Collaborate with mills and industry stakeholders to examine if and how paper cups can be repulped.
Raising Awareness: Educate about the recyclability of paper cups.

PCA continues to work with mills to determine if they can successfully recycle paper cups.

Explore the Paper Recycling Process

Dive Into Our 2030 Sustainability Goals

See Paper Cup Alliance Resources

Recycling Q&A

Recycling

Packaging

Can Paper Bags Be Recycled?

SManger — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:17:13 +0000

Can Paper Bags Be Recycled?

SManger Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:17

Paper bags are a common sight at grocery stores, clothing stores, and pharmacies. They’re also great for carrying your packed lunch. But have you ever wondered … can these paper bags be recycled? The answer is yes!

Paper bags are widely accepted for recycling across the U.S. They are the only bags that are recyclable in curbside bins. This ease of recycling makes them a convenient choice.

Recycling is a critical part of the paper industry’s manufacturing process. And recyclable paper products, like paper bags, are a key component of our circular value chain.

Beyond Recyclable: The Sustainable Story of the Paper Bag

The benefits of paper bags extend beyond their recyclability. There are many reasons they are a sustainable option, including:

Paper Bags are Made from a Renewable Resource: Paper bags are made from trees, which are a renewable resource. Responsible forest management practices ensure trees are replanted on working forests.
Paper Bags Contain Recycled Paper: Many paper bags are made with recycled paper fibers using responsible manufacturing practices. The paper industry has consistently high recycling rates.
Paper Bags are Compostable: Unwaxed paper bags can decompose in a compost pile.
Paper Bags are Reusable: Sturdy and durable paper bags can be used multiple times. They can be reused to pack lunches, store grass clippings, hold other recyclables and more.

Paper Bags are Versatile

Paper bags offer a versatile solution for a variety of needs. They’re also strong and reliable. From picking up a prescription to presenting a special gift, paper bags can be used in many scenarios:

Pharmacy Bags: Paper bags are commonly used at pharmacies. They help keep medication picked up at the pharmacy a private matter.
Gift Bags: Paper gift bags are a thoughtful and personal touch for any gift. They can also be reused.
Grocery and Shopping Bags: Paper bags are sturdy and have lots of space. This makes them a great option for carrying groceries or shopping finds.
Lunch Bag: Paper bags are an easy, simple, and reusable option for taking lunch to work every day.
Bakery Bags: Paper bags are breathable, which makes them a great choice for keeping baked goods fresh.

Paper bags are a recyclable, convenient and sustainable option. The paper industry recycles nearly 60% more paper today than it did in 1990, when the industry set its first recycling rate goal.

2030 Sustainability Goals

The Paper Recycling Process

Learn More About Paper-Based Packaging

Can I Recycle Decorative Tissue Paper?

SManger — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:36:12 +0000

Can I Recycle Decorative Tissue Paper?

SManger Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:36

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. That’s where gift bags and decorative tissue paper come in to help make them special. But you may be wondering if decorative tissue paper can be recycled.

Let’s dive in to find out.

Is Decorative Tissue Paper Recyclable?

Yes! Decorative tissue paper is recyclable by paper mills. Be sure to check your local guidelines before placing it in your recycling bin.

What if My Tissue Paper is Metallic or Has Glitter?

If your tissue paper is metallic, has glitter or other decorative elements, it isn’t recyclable. Try to reuse it if possible.

When in doubt, throw it out. Wishcycling -- when we put something in the recycling bin hoping it will be recycled -- disrupts the recycling process if it isn’t recyclable.

My Area Doesn’t Accept Tissue Paper, Now What?

We recommend trying to reuse the tissue paper if you can. You can try to reuse it for gift-wrapping or crafts. Check out How Life Unfolds for some ideas!

Is Decorative Tissue Paper Sustainable?

About 80%

of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper

Yes, decorative tissue paper is sustainable. Paper products are made from trees, which are a renewable resource, and recycled paper.

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper fiber to make renewable products like packaging, office paper, newspaper and paper towels.

Even so, the industry is working to improve its sustainability through innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Explore more about the industry’s recycling and sustainability efforts:

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Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

Are Tissue Products Sustainable?

How is the Paper Industry Improving Recycling?

Recycling Q&A

Recycling

Tissue

Can I Recycle a Greasy Pizza Box?

SManger — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 14:33:07 +0000

Can I Recycle a Greasy Pizza Box?

SManger Mon, 12/04/2023 - 09:33

It’s pizza night. You finished the last slice and see a spare pepperoni, some patches of grease and a little cheese on your pizza box. You wonder if you can recycle it.

Dive in to learn if greasy pizza boxes can be recycled.

Can I Recycle a Greasy Pizza Box?

Yes, a pizza box with grease on it can be recycled by paper mills. In fact, a study confirmed grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process. But remove leftover pizza and pepperoni before recycling!

How Do I Recycle Pizza Boxes?

Always check to make sure your area accepts pizza boxes before recycling. 82% of Americans have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes.

When recycling, remove leftover pizza and place the box in the recycling bin.

What if My Pizza Box is Saturated in Grease?

If your pizza box is completely soaked and saturated in grease, then it’s okay to toss in the trash. Check your local guidance to see if it can be accepted for composting or goes in the trash.

Does My Pizza Box Actually Get Recycled?

Cardboard pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country.

Our industry wants these boxes back to recycle. About 3 billion pizza boxes are used in the U.S. each year. That’s about 600,000 tons of cardboard that could be collected for recycling.

AF&PA encourages communities to update their residential recycling programs to accept cardboard pizza boxes for recycling.

My Area Doesn’t Accept Pizza Boxes, Now What?

We encourage you to reach out to your local government and recycling hauler. You can share our guidance with them.

Recycling is a crucial part of the paper industry’s manufacturing process. Updating local recycling programs’ guidelines to accept pizza boxes helps us capture more material to recycle and turn into new products.

Dive into more recycling resources:

See More Recycling Q&As

Learn How Paper Gets Recycled

Discover What Paper Products Are Recyclable

Recycling Q&A

Recycling

Packaging

Are Address Window Envelopes Recyclable?

sbockman — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:10:12 +0000

Are Address Window Envelopes Recyclable?

sbockman Tue, 08/01/2023 - 03:10

Are Address Window Envelopes Recyclable?

The answer is yes! Window envelopes can be recycled. Mail made primarily or completely from paper can be recycled.

Do You Need to Remove the Plastic Window Part of the Envelope to Recycle It?

Nope! Although removing the plastic window helps, this is not necessary. Most paper recycling facilities will filter out the plastic during the pulping process. Always be sure to check your local community’s recycling guidelines for proper disposal.

Can I Recycle the Envelope If It Gets Wet?

It’s important to keep paper products dry and clean before recycling! The fibers of the paper envelope will break down if they get wet. That makes it harder to repulp when it makes it to a paper mill.

If the envelope is a little damp from your coffee mug, that’s okay. If it is saturated, then check your local recycling guidelines to see if composting is an option.

Can All Mail Be Recycled?

Mail that is primarily or completely made from paper can usually be recycled in curbside bins. This includes things like magazines, advertisement mail, letters, bills, cardboard boxes, paper-padded mailers, cards and newspapers.

However, some types of mail might not be accepted in your area. Padded mailers that are not entirely made of paper need to be taken to a local drop-off location like your grocery store.

Cards that have glitter or embellishments like bows also cannot be recycled. If you can tear these off, then you can recycle the remaining card!

Where Can I Recycle Envelopes and Other Paper Mail Products?

Mail made mostly or completely of paper can be easily recycled in your curbside bin. Packaging labels and address windows do not need to be removed before recycling.

What Happens After You Put the Envelope In the Recycling Bin?

The materials in the recycling bin will be transported to your local materials recovery facility. It will be sorted, baled and sent to a paper mill to be repulped and made into a new paper product.

Why Should I Recycle Envelopes?

Envelopes and other paper mail materials make up approximately 23% of all solid waste each year.

Paper mail is also one of the most widely recyclable materials. Paper mills want these products back to make new products.

And we’ve set a goal to increase the use of secondary materials like recycled paper in new paper products to 50% by 2030.

This means the industry will use even more recycled paper in manufacturing! This goal is part of our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future initiative.

By deciding to recycle envelopes and other paper mail, we can build an attainable and sustainable future together.

Find Out How the Paper Industry is Sustainable

Learn More How to Recycle Shredded Paper

Test Your Knowledge in Recycling All Types of Mail

Is Cardboard Recyclable?

SManger — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:52:06 +0000

Is Cardboard Recyclable?

SManger Tue, 04/04/2023 - 16:52

Is Cardboard Recyclable?

The answer is a resounding yes! Cardboard is one of the easiest and most common materials to recycle.

Cardboard is made from paper fibers. It can be broken down and made into new paper products, including cereal, pizza and shipping boxes as well as toilet paper.

Where Can I Recycle Cardboard?

Cardboard is widely accepted for recycling in curbside and drop-off programs.

94% of Americans have access to community paper and paperboard recycling programs that accept cardboard boxes. This includes both residential-curbside and drop-off.

It is important to check your community’s recycling guidance to determine where cardboard can be recycled.

How Do I Recycle Cardboard Boxes?

Start by emptying cardboard boxes of any packing materials or trash. It’s fine to keep tape or shipping labels on the box. These are removed during the recycling process.

Next, break down and flatten your cardboard box. This helps save space in the recycling bin and keeps cardboard clean and dry.

If it doesn’t fit inside the bin, keep cardboard folded, clean, and dry until recycling day.

Recycling cardboard correctly helps make sure the quality of recycled fibers is high and goes on to its best use – new products.

What if Cardboard Gets Wet?

Paper fibers break down when they’re wet, so it’s important to keep your cardboard dry.

If possible, break it down and place the cardboard in the bin. Cardboard that gets wet on collection day is fine.

And remember to check local recycling guidance to determine how cardboard should be prepared for recycling.

Why Should I Recycle Cardboard?

Cardboard is a highly recyclable material that’s widely accepted for recycling. By choosing to recycle cardboard, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future.

Recycle More Paper Products

Explore How Paper Recycling Works

Learn More About Paper Recycling

Are All Boxes Recyclable?

JTiralla — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:27:42 +0000

Are All Boxes Recyclable?

JTiralla Wed, 11/09/2022 - 09:27

Do you know how to recycle paperboard packaging?

Sometimes, it can be hard to determine whether certain packaging can be recycled. In most cases, they can be! Let's focus on paperboard boxes.

What is paperboard packaging?

Paperboard is a lightweight, recyclable material often used for food and dry products. Things like cereal boxes, juice boxes and milk cartons. Bakery boxes, what your delicious donuts and pastries come in, are also paperboard. Paperboard is also used for medicine, cosmetics, shoe and tissue boxes.

Unlike cardboard boxes, paperboard is much thinner. Cardboard has 3 layers, including what’s called a fluted corrugating medium to make it stronger and sturdier to ship products.

Can all paperboard be recycled?

Yes! All paperboard can be recycled. Even the packaging with polyethylene coating - the plastic substance found on juice boxes and milk cartons. This coating is recycled separately from the paperboard. All you need to do is flatten the box and place it in your recycling bin. Always check your local guidelines before recycling.

Can I recycle paperboard if it’s wet?

Paper fibers break down when they’re wet, so it’s important to keep your recycled paper dry. Paperboard that gets wet the same day it is put out for collection is fine. Check your local guidelines for more guidance.

What happens to paperboard packaging after it's recycled?

As with your other paper recyclables, paperboard packaging is sent to a Materials Recovery Facility where it is separated from other materials like metals and plastic.

Then the paperboard boxes are baled and sent to paper mills, where the recycling process truly begins.

The paper is broken down in a pulper, which looks like a giant blender. The pulp from the paperboard then goes onto a screen on the paper machine where it’s dried and then rolled. Then, it’s sent to a converter to be turned into something new.

Why should I recycle paperboard?

Paper recycling is a success in part because of the millions of people who recycle every day. The paper industry needs your recycled paper products to make new products. When you recycle correctly, you are doing your part to advance a circular economy and create a more sustainable future.

Recycling Q&A

Recycling

Packaging

How Do You Recycle Shredded Paper?

JTiralla — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:55:12 +0000

How Do You Recycle Shredded Paper?

JTiralla Tue, 09/06/2022 - 11:55

Is shredded paper recyclable?

Yes! Shredded paper is recyclable. Check your local guidelines to see if it’s accepted in your area.

What should I shred?

Always think before you shred. Shredded paper is less likely to be recycled than sheets of paper because the small shreds of paper can get lost in collection and processing. The smaller the paper is, the less likely it is to get recycled.

A good rule of thumb is to only shred paper containing sensitive information. Here are some examples of things that should be shredded:

Employee pay stubs
Bank statements
Investment transactions
Pre-approved credit card applications
Medical records
Tax forms
Anything with your social security number
Anything with your credit card number

What should I not shred?

Anything that doesn’t contain sensitive information should not be shredded. The items below are examples of things that should be recycled normally:

Mail
Folders
Greeting cards
Books
Magazines

How do I recycle shredded paper?

First, put the shreds in a paper bag or cardboard box. Staple or tape it shut and recycle it in your curbside recycling bin.

Putting the shredded paper in a paper bag or box makes it more likely that it will be recycled. Loose paper shreds can blow around when they’re being collected or make a mess when being processed at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Why should I recycle the paper I don’t shred?

Recycled paper fibers can be reused 5 to 7 times to make new paper and cardboard products. The more paper you recycle, the more waste stays out of landfills, instead getting turned into things like container board, boxboard and newsprint.

If you only shred paper with sensitive information, you can protect your privacy while extending the useful life of paper.

Download Our 'Think Before You Shred' Infographic

Download this infographic as a reminder to think before you shred.

Download

Do You Know How to Recycle Milk Cartons?

SManger — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 19:55:58 +0000

Do You Know How to Recycle Milk Cartons?

SManger Tue, 07/26/2022 - 15:55

Can I recycle paper cartons?

Yes, you can recycle paper cartons!

First, empty the carton, but don’t flatten it. If the carton has a straw, tuck the straw inside. If it has a cap, screw the cap back on before recycling so it doesn’t become separated and turn into litter.

Check Recycling Options For Your Community

What are the different types of cartons? Can they all be recycled?

Gable top cartons, or refrigerated cartons, are made of paper and plastic liner. They store refrigerated food like milk, juice and cream.

Aseptic cartons, or shelf-stable cartons, are made of paper, plastic and aluminum liners. They store non-refrigerated food like soup, broth and wine.

Both types of cartons can be recycled.

What happens to my cartons after I recycle them?

After you recycle your cartons, they are sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The cartons are sorted out, baled and sent to paper mills and recycling plants.

At paper mills, cartons are put in a hydro pulper, where the paper is separated from the plastic and aluminum. The pulp is sent directly to the mill’s paper machine or dried into sheets that are turned into paperboard, tissue and cardboard.

The plastic and aluminum go to different mills where they are turned into ceiling tiles, wallboard and sometimes even energy to fuel the mill.

At recycling plants, cartons don’t get separated into paper and plastic and aluminum. Instead, the whole carton gets turned into building materials like construction board.

Why should I recycle my cartons?

When Americans recycle just 30% of all municipal solid waste, it has the same effect on greenhouse gasses as taking 25 million cars off the road. Recycling cartons reduces waste in landfills and extends the useful life of paper fibers.

What do I do if there’s no carton recycling in my area?

A majority of U.S. households have access to carton recycling through curbside or drop-off programs. But if you’ve checked local guidelines, and your community doesn’t accept them, here’s what you can do:

Educate your community on why it should start recycling cartons
Mail your cartons to a facility that accepts them
Sign this petition to bring carton recycling to you

Dive deeper into carton recycling with the Carton Council

Take the quiz on carton recycling

Recycling Q&A

Recycling

Product Stewardship